His Majesty King Abdullah held talks with Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bakir Izetbegović at Al Husseiniya Palace on Wednesday that focused on means to enhance bilateral relations, as well as regional developments.

During an expanded meeting that followed bilateral talks and was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Hashim bin Al Hussein, the Chief Royal Councillor, discussions covered the importance of bolstering ties in all areas, particularly in economic, investment, tourism and military fields.

King Abdullah, in remarks at the beginning of the expanded talks, welcomed Chairman Izetbegović and the accompanying delegation, stressing the importance of the visit in bolstering ties in the service of common interests.

His Majesty highlighted the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Balkans, noting Jordan’s efforts in fighting terrorism by holding the Aqaba Meetings series to enhance global coordination and efforts in countering terrorism and violent extremism.

For his part, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Izetbegović expressed his country's keenness to strengthen cooperation with Jordan, voicing appreciation for the Kingdom’s role and positions to maintain security and stability in the region and the world.

Praising Jordan’s hospitality in hosting refugees, the chairman noted that the Kingdom’s population has doubled in the last 10 years as it hosts refugees from all parts of the world.

He also commended Jordan's peacekeeping efforts in his country.

“You helped our country during the war, there were Jordanian soldiers there helping us to stabilise the peace,” Chairman Izetbegović said, also citing Jordan’s work to preserve Stari Most bridge in Mostar, which is now a World Heritage Site.

“You built maybe the most beautiful mosque in Sarajevo… it is always full of youngsters,” Chairman Izetbegović added, voicing hope that the King would join worshippers for prayer during a future visit.

Commenting on the danger of extremist ideologies, Chairman Izetbegović said he, as a Muslim, was surprised by the actions of “so-called Muslims” who tarnish the image of Islam.

Talks also covered developments related to the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem.

His Majesty underlined that there can be no peace or stability in the region without a just and lasting solution to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, based on the two-state solution that guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 4 June 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

His Majesty and the Chairman also stressed the importance of stepping up international efforts to fight terrorism, which threatens global peace and security.

Prime Minister Omar Razzaz, Adviser to His Majesty and Director of the Office of His Majesty Manar Dabbas, Adviser to His Majesty for Economic Affairs Mohamad Al Ississ, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and the chairman’s accompanying delegation attended the talks.